Southwark Council has successfully retained all 30 Green Flag Awards for its outstanding parks and open spaces for the fifth consecutive year.
This prestigious status stands as a testament to the relentless efforts made by volunteers, community groups, park staff and contractors, Idverde, in maintaining well-managed and welcoming open spaces for park-goers.
The Green Flag Award scheme, managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under licence from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for the management of green spaces across the United Kingdom and around the world.
Councillor Portia Mwangangye, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Parks and Young People, said: "We are delighted that, for the 5th year in a row, 30 of our parks have been awarded Green Flag status. This international quality mark for parks and green spaces - is testament to the hard work and dedication of the team that care for the green space so that visitors and residents alike can enjoy it. They are also key in supporting biodiversity and our climate emergency agenda.
“The value of inner city open spaces cannot be understated, especially for those living in properties without gardens. Thanks to the hard work of our park staff and team of volunteers, local people continue to have quality spaces to exercise, contemplate, play and spend time with friends and families.
Keep Britain Tidy’s Green Flag Award Scheme Manager, Paul Todd MBE, said: “I would like to congratulate everyone involved on achieving a Green Flag Award.
“Southwark’s award winning parks are vital green spaces for communities to socialise, enjoy nature, for children to play safely and it provides important opportunities for park users to improve their physical and mental health.
“We know that staff and volunteers work tirelessly to ensure that it maintains the high standards of the Green Flag Award, everyone involved should feel extremely proud of their achievement.
"It is important that our free to use spaces are maintained to the Green Flag Award standard, making them accessible for all members of the community while ensuring the environment is protected.”